Safran Nacelles is one of the main integrators of aircraft engine nacelle systems in the world. On the long-range commercial aircraft market, Safran Nacelles is the partner of the main aircraft manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing. On the Airbus A380, the nacelle systems designed by Safran Nacelles - the first in the world to be equipped with an electrically-actuated thrust reverser - are a technological reference

Airbus A330neo Nacelle Systems

Airbus

From design to engine integration, Safran Nacelles has complete responsibility for the nacelles of the Airbus A330neo, which took flight for the first time in October 2017. With an external diameter of 3.65 meters, this nacelle is in the same very large nacelle category as the nacelles used on the A380, the largest passenger aircraft in existence.

A leading-edge nacelle

Powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000, the A330neo incorporates the best technologies developed by Safran Nacelles for its ever-expanding portfolio of products. For this programme, Safran Nacelles developed a technological road map that benefits from all the experience gained from proven large-nacelle programmes.

Adrien Daste / Safran

A more efficient nacelle

More aerodynamic, lighter - with the use of composite materials, quieter - with an improved acoustic treatment and equipped with cascade-type thrust reversers, the A330neo nacelle contributes to the improvement in performances of both the propulsion system and the aircraft. It offers a high level of reliability which has been the key to the success of the current aircraft version.

An integrated industrial organization

Safran Nacelles has set up a steering tool based on development logic and an industrial organization targeting effectiveness with the robotization of certain activities (drilling-riveting for assembling, painting for integration, acoustic drilling of the composite parts, etc.). The programme draws on five Safran Nacelles sites (Casablanca, Le Havre, Burnley, Florange and Toulouse) as well as three external partners (Safran Landing System, FACC and Woodward). All the nacelle components (air inlet, fan cowl doors deck, thrust reverser, exhaust and EBU-Engine Build Up) are assembled with the engine on the Toulouse integration site. The nacelle is also painted on this site, in the airline company colours before being delivered to the Airbus final assembly line.

Patrick Boulen

Patrick Boulen

Adrien Daste / Safran

Customer support and services close to hand

Safran Nacelles will support the A330neo customers in the operation of their nacelles with 24/7 customer support and a complete range of customized services. These activities are backed by a global network of company contacts, spread over five continents. They draw on four distribution and spare part centres and five maintenance workshops.

Key figures

42 months: Duration of the nacelle development cycle – some 18 months less than a standard schedule.

3.65 meters: External diameter of the nacelle. The size is similar to the nacelles used on the Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft in existence.